'Stranger Things' star Gaten Matarazzo has shared the secret to his successful long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Elizabeth Yu. The actor appeared on an episode of Chelsea Handler's podcast 'Dear Chelsea', where he discussed what has made his eight-year relationship with his high school sweetheart work, according to People.
Early Days of the Relationship
The pair started dating in 2018 when they were just 15 years old. Over the years, they have navigated high school, pursued individual acting careers, and experienced long-distance challenges. Handler expressed surprise that the relationship has lasted so long, saying, 'I can't believe you've survived this long with your relationship from that young age.' Matarazzo replied, 'Survive is a funny word.'
Key to Success: Communication and Distance
Handler asked Matarazzo how they managed to stay together for eight years, which she described as unusual. Matarazzo explained that he and Yu 'communicate really, really well' and have learned how to be apart while traveling for work. 'A big key to it is thriving through distance,' he said. 'That's kind of what we were thrust into early on. I was working on the show and was also simultaneously pursuing and starting her own career in the same industry.'
He added that much of their work requires leaving the city, and being able to communicate effectively through that was a sign that the relationship was working well. 'It's very rare, I think, that it can feel good,' he noted.
Home Base and Living Arrangements
Matarazzo continued, 'A lot of times, long-distance relationships usually fizzle out because it's so hard not being in the same city as your person. And what's great is that our home base is the same. So anytime we go and travel for work, we know we're coming back to each other here in the city.' He clarified that they do not live together but live 'very close to each other.' Handler quipped, 'Okay, well, that might be another reason why it's working out so well.'
Career Parallels
Matarazzo and Yu started dating a few months after 'Stranger Things' season 2 premiered on Netflix. Around the same time, Yu began auditioning for acting roles and later made her acting debut in the 2022 film 'Somewhere in Queens', directed by Ray Romano. The couple continues to support each other's careers while maintaining a strong bond.
